Thumbnail Image

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

Browse

19943
Reset filters
Subject: Others × End date: 1994 × Start date: 1994 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Input management in dairy co-operatives of Ollukkara Block
    (Department of Co- operative Management, College of Co- operation, Banking and Management,Vellanikkara, 1994) George Thomas, KAU; Mani, K P
    The study entitles input Management in Dairy Co-operatives of Ollukkara Block was undertaken to examine the input management of dairy co operatives, identify the farmers preference for input services, and identify the problems as also constraints in input management by dairy co operatives. Three Anand pattern dairy co operatives, falling respectively in the classes of well performing societies satisfactorily performing societies and poorly performing societies, were selected from Ollukkara block of Thrissur district. Thirty farmers each were drawn at random from these societies for gathering primary data. While the primary data were collected in 1993, the secondary data pertain to a nine year period from 1984. Simple averages, percentages, tabular method, priority index, satisfaction index and direct reporting comprised the methodology. The supply of concentrate cattle feed was the major input service in the sample societies. Despite this, about 80 per cent of the estimated demand for feed was met by the private sector. The societies too depended more on the private sector for procuring feed, thanks to the inadequate production and irregular supply of feed by the co operative union. The farmers were less satisfied over this input service because of reasons like un preferred brands supplied, quality deterioration, stock out situations, inconvenient time schedule for feed supply, non availability of feed in small lots etc. But as regards price, and mode of payment, they were satisfied. Private traders outdid the societies on preferred brand, brand choice, continuous supply of feed, supply in small quantities and at convenient time. Only 56 per cent of the farmers were aware of the provision of veterinary service, and 31 per cent alone availed of the service. Mismatch between need and time of service, procedural complexities, irregularity of doctors, difficulty in bringing animals to societies etc. deterred farmers from using thi service. Supply of fodder seeds too did not yield much response from farmers because of scarcity of land, poor crop, higher crop etc., besides the abundance of natural fodder. The input management is to be made efficient by improving upon the various services in the interest of the farmers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact Of Rubber Plantation Development Schemes Among Small Holders Of Rubber In Malappuram District
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, Horticulture College,Vellanikkara, 1994) Vijayakumar VR; Nybe EV
    Natural rubber is one of the crops enjoying Government patronage on account of the growing internal consumption and the strategic commercial importance. Efforts to increase indigenous production consisted of extensive cultivation and modernization of the existing plantations. For this, assistance was provided by the Rubber Board since 1957 with special consideration to the small holding sector. The present study intended the assessment and analysis of the impact of the RPD Scheme implemented by the Rubber Board in Malappuram district. The data collected from the rubber growers and additional details collected from the Rubber Board were analysed and the major findings are summarized as follows: From the study, it was found that 25 of the growers (41.67%) were having only landed property upto 1.00 ha out of which 12 growers (48%) have planted 100 per cent of the area with rubber. It was also revealed that 51 growers (85%) replaced other crops with rubber where cashew was the main crop (33.33%). All these 51 growers opined that they planted rubber as other crops were not profitable as rubber in Malappuram district. It was noticed that 44 growers (73.33%) have planted the clone RRII 105. This comes to 82 per cent if the growers under the RPDS alone are considered. It was also observed that 50 per cent of the growers under the RPDS have used polybagged plants. This means that majority of the growers are adopting the recommendation of the Board. The farmers have gained a fair amount of scientific knowledge of cultivation of rubber by undertaking own planting. Thirty six growers under the RPDS and 5 growers not under the RPDS have followed the recommended planting distances. So also, 11 growers (22%) have maintained a per hectare stand in between 400 to 500. In the case of intercropping, it was revealed that 30 per cent did not raise intercrop and 38 per cent maintained it upto the second year and only 2 per cent upto the third year. No one planted intercrop after the third year. The intercrop raised helped the growers to a very great extent to supplement their income during the immaturity period. This also means that the growers have adopted the recommendations of the Board which goes to the credit of the RPDS. The study further revealed that the polybagged plants do not have any advantage in the overall growth during the latter period of the immaturity phase. If budded stumps are planted in the ideal season/condition, they can also thrive well as the polybagged plants and attain equal girth by which the development cost can be reduced considerably. The study indicated that 68.33 per cent of the growers have adopted alternate daily tapping system which is normally recommended. Some growers gave rest during rainy and summer months which adversely affected the yield and productivity. The study has brought to light that the yield will be uneconomic if the number of tappings obtained are less than 100 per year. It was further noticed that it will be possible to get an yield of 2948 kg or more per hectare if planted with RRII 105 and if the scientific management practices and correct system of tapping are followed. It is noticeable that all the participants have expressed their appreciation in the implementation of the RPD Schemes. However, 28 growers have desired that imparting of technical assistance in the pre-planting period and after starting tapping would go a long way to improve proper management of areas planted under the RPD scheme. Scarcity of skilled tappers and labour in Malappuaram district needs immediate attention. It is suggested that the Rubber Board may strengthen the extension and advisory services so that the growers can get timely help especially before carrying out the pre-planting works. Better service may also be provided in the exploitation period. Scarcity of skilled tappers is due to low wage rate for tappers in rubber plantations. So, training programme may also be conducted in a phased manner and introduction of new systems of exploitation practiced in other countries which does not require much skill. May be thought of so that unskilled labourers can be effectively engaged. The impact of the implementation of the RPD Schemes, especially in the small holding sector, is clearly manifested in Malappuram district. The small holders share was 88.77 per cent in 1990-91. The rate of growth was 167.03 per cent in holdings having area up to 1.00 ha. Kozhikode district in South Malabar having the same agro-climatic conditions showed a lesser performance than that of Malappuram district Fig.4). This concludes that the RPD Schemes have created a positive impact among the rubber growers in Malappuram district which enabled them to develop good plantations realizing better profit as compared to other crops.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance of Rubber Clones in Pullengode estate in Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1994) Ravindra Das, K; KAU; Prassannakumari Amma, S
    The study aimed at evaluating the performance of three clones of rubber viz. RRII 105, RRIM 600 and PB 235 in Ernad taluk of Malappuram district. Ten identical units in each clone were selected and details on girth and yield characters were gathered. The secondary characters such as resistance to diseases, tapping panel dryness, wind damage, yield depression during summer, dry rubber content, colour of latex etc. were studied. The study was conducted through personal visits and with the help of a pre – tested questionnaire. Some of the details were collected from the Rubber Board Regional Officer, Nilambur and from the records mainted in the Pullengode estate. The results of the study showed that the over all performance of the clones RRII 105 and RRIM 600 were satisfactory under the prevailing agro – climatic conditions in Malappuram district and in the hilly tract of Pullengode area. Available information from the estate showed that the highest yield was recorded for the clone RRII 105. It showed a fair degree of tolerance to abnormal leaf fall and pink disease than the other clones, but was susceptible to brown bast. The trees are being kept under the low frequency tapping system to control the occurrence of tapping panel dryness. The clone showed the lowest depression in yield of 16.19 per cent during summer. The clone recorded a dry rubber content of 39.65 per cent. The clone RRIM 600 occupied the second place in the overall performance and yield. The incidence of abnormal leaf fall and pink disease was not so severe. The powdery mildew and brown bast incidence were low. The yield depression during summer was 18.88 per cent. It recorded the highest dry rubber content of 39.75 per cent. Since the trees of the clone PB 235 were opened only in 1992, the yield pattern is not possible to be explained as it has not reached the stable stage. More data are required for a realistic comparison with the other clones. The susceptibility to abnormal leaf fall and powdery mildew was high. Incidence of pink disease was low. Tapping panel dryness was also not observed, perhaps being in the second year of tapping under low frequency system. The clone had light yellow latex of low dry rubber content of 31.45 per cent. In general Pullengode estate maintains the clones, RRII 105, RRIM 600 and PB 235 selected for the study under scientific and uniform conditions. The performance of the clones, except the slight variations inherant with each clone in growth, yield, susceptibility and tolerance to disease incidence, is found to be excellent. The clones are suitable for this region under the existing agro – climatic conditions and the recommended cultural practices.